The scene is the upper room. Jesus and his 12 close followers are gathered for this, the last time. Only two of them know that fact.

The meal begins. Small talk flows, but then the volume and intensity of feeling rise. John tells us that a dispute has broken out among the disciples. The question surfaces: "Who is the greatest disciple?" All join in, "I am the greatest." You can bet that Peter has his say and Matthew, for he is vocal also, and Bartholomew and John. Each in turn extols his own virtue, telling why it is he who should sit in glory at God's side.

Each, except one. Slowly and silently Jesus stands to his feet. His face shows the pain he feels that even now the disciples do not understand. His steps away from the table are slow and deliberate. He loosens the belt which holds hi…